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Bach Cantata Listener's Guide

Cantata 59

Whitsunday

Epistle: Acts ii. 1-13 (The descent of the holy spirit)

Gospel: John xiv. 23-31 (If a man loves me, he will keep my word)

Rating: 3

You may think me somewhat harsh in relegating this tiny cantata to the lowest rating. After all, the opening chorus is quite a pleasant piece with a chamber music feel to it. But, it must be so, since there is so little material here (around ten minutes with opening chorus, recitative, chorale and bass aria) and the substantial parts were re-used to much better effect in BWV 74. So, pass over this cantata and go straight to BWV 74.